You've rehearsed your answers, pressed your lucky suit, and psyched yourself up for the big interview. But suddenly, the unthinkable happens - you find yourself trapped in a lift with your potential future boss before you've even had a chance to dazzle them with your qualifications. Time for a literal elevator pitch.

Never fear, we're here to guide you through this claustrophobic conundrum with some essential do's and don'ts:

DO:

• Stay calm and avoid any visible signs of panic. Passing out from hyperventilation is generally frowned upon in interview prep.
• Make small talk about the weather, traffic, or the architectural feat that is this ill-fated elevator. Steer clear of politics or anything too controversial.
• Use this as a prime opportunity to demonstrate your sparkling personality and win them over with your wit and charm. Just don't try too hard - desperation is a stench that not even the best air freshener can mask.

DON'T:

• Start reciting your entire resume. Save something for the actual interview!
• Admit that you're desperately uncomfortable with confined spaces. You'll be sweating buckets before they even grill you on your greatest weaknesses.
• Crack open that tuna sandwich you packed for lunch. Nothing kills an first impression like the reek of canned fish in a tiny metal box.
• Repeatedly check the time and make comments about "being fashionably late." It's an interview, not a hot date (though at this rate, you may be stuck together long enough for it to qualify as both).
• Attempt any self-affirmation rituals or arcane pre-interview dances. As uplifting as they may be, you'll only achieve a new level of awkwardness.

If all else fails, simply own the situation with humor and grace. After all, if you can survive the ultimate pre-interview test of a lift entrapment, the rest will be a breeze!

Just be grateful it wasn't your future boss AND your future ex-boss. Now that would have been a true elevator horror story.